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Volume 13
Journal of Orthopaedics Trauma Surgery and Related Research
ISSN: 1897-2276
Orthopedics 2018
March 08-09, 2018
March 08-09, 2018 London, UK
10
th
International Conference on
Orthopedics, Trauma and Rheumatology
J Orthop Trauma Surg Rel Res 2018, Volume 13
Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Common side effects and leading cause of discontinuation
Majed Alsubaie
KSA
Aim:
The study aims to evaluate frequency and to identify factors which may increase the discontinuation of Methotrexate (MTX)
among our Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients in Asir region, KSA.
Method:
Across sectional study was conducted in Aseer Central Hospital, southern region, Saudi Arabia that are currently or
previously were used MTX. All the patients included fulfilled the 1987 revised American Rheumatism Association criteria for
classification of RA. Medical records for 200 RA patients were chosen through convenience method then they reviewed and analyzed.
Result:
A total of 200 RA patients were participated, 169 (84.5%) were female and 31 (15.5%) were male. Their ages ranged from 12
to 80 years with a mean of 45.07 and standard deviation 14.37 years. 67 (33.5%) of patients and their disease duration was 10 years
and more. 147 (73.5%) of our patients were using MTX and 53 (26.5%) were not. Out of 147 patients, 24 (27%) of them did not take
MTX regularly due to different causes. The most common side effects were stomach ache as same as indolence and sloth. There is no
statistical association between sex, education level and duration of disease and discontinuation at P=0.05.
Conclusion:
The study concluded a low rate of drug discontinuation due to adverse effects; MTX seems to be a safe drug for long-
term use in RA patients. More attempts should be done to minimize side effects and discontinuation of MTX, to get the benefits of
drug considered as the cornerstone in RA treatment.
dr.majedalsubaie@gmail.com